Leaving Cert Biology - Enzymes Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus: Enzyme theory, understanding enzymes, and applying this knowledge to exam questions.
• Objective: Gain confidence in handling exam paper questions related to enzymes.

Metabolism

• Enzymes are integral to metabolic processes.
• Metabolism involves chemical reactions within organisms to maintain life.

Sources of Energy

• Enzymes play a crucial role in energy transformations.
• Understanding the role of enzymes in energy production is essential.

Features of Enzymes

• Specificity: Enzymes are specific to substrates they act upon.
• Efficiency: Catalyze reactions efficiently.
• Regulation: Enzyme activity is regulated within cells.

Types of Metabolic Pathways

• Anabolic Pathways: Build complex molecules from simpler ones.
• Catabolic Pathways: Break down complex molecules to simpler ones.

Catabolic and Anabolic Reactions

• Catabolic Reactions: Release energy by breaking down molecules.
• Anabolic Reactions: Consume energy to construct molecules.

Catabolic and Anabolic Enzymes

• Specific enzymes facilitate both types of reactions.
• Balanced enzyme activity is crucial for homeostasis.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

• Temperature: Alters enzyme structure and activity.
• pH Levels: Each enzyme has an optimal pH.
• Substrate Concentration: Affects the rate of reaction.

Temperature as a Factor

• Enzymes have specific temperature ranges for optimal activity.
• High temperatures can denature enzymes.

Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

• Extreme pH levels can lead to enzyme denaturation.
• Optimal pH ensures maximum enzyme activity.

Comparing pH and Temperature

• Both factors are critical in regulating enzyme activity.

Denatured Enzymes

• Denaturation: Irreversible loss of enzymatic activity due to structural changes.

Methods of Immobilizing Enzymes

• Techniques to attach enzymes to materials for repeated use.

Advantages of Immobilized Enzymes

• Reusability and stability.
• Easier separation from products.

Uses/Application of Immobilized Enzymes

• Used in industrial processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The Active Site

• The region where substrate molecules bind and react.
• Induced Fit Model: Adjusts to fit the substrate shape.

Induced Fit Model

• Describes how enzymes work by molding around the substrate.

Recap - Exam Question 2019 Q12

• Application of enzyme knowledge to past exam questions.

Additional Resources

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Conclusion

• Understanding enzymes is crucial for biology exams.
• Enzyme activity is influenced by various factors like temperature and pH.
• Immobilized enzymes offer practical applications in various fields.